Wireless communication system, and wireless communication device and control method

ABSTRACT

This invention has as its object to set a one-to-one relationship upon establishing a wireless communication channel between a wireless communication device on the information transmitting side and a wireless communication device that receives and processes the information even in an environment including a plurality of wireless communication devices, and to assure simple user&#39;s operations at least until the communication channel is established. To this end, when the user inputs a wireless communication channel establishment instruction to both a digital camera and printer having wireless communication channel establishment instruction to both a digital camera and printer having wireless communication functions, these devices execute wireless communication establishment processes within an allowable time period which is specified by a time set in a timer and a retry count. When the devices can seize each other within that time period, the communication channel is established. After that, the digital camera sends a sensed image to the printer, which prints the sensed image.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a communication establishment technique between devices having wireless communication functions.

BACKGROUND ART

Normally, a host computer as a versatile information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or the like and a printer are connected by wire. Such wired connection adopts a USE cable, parallel cable (complying with the Centronics standards (USA)), Ethernet®, and the like.

In recent years, digital cameras have prevailed increasingly, and the recording quality of printers has improved as high as silver halide photos. Hence, there are many chances of printing images sensed by such digital camera by printers.

In order to print an image sensed by a digital camera, it is a common practice to transfer that image to a personal computer, and to print it by operating an application program that runs on the personal computer.

However, a digital camera user requires a personal computer when he or she wants to print sensed images, and much time and labor are required from when the user turns on the personal computer until he or she launches an application to print an image. Hence, such processes are far from an easy print process.

In consideration of such situation, the present applicant has proposed some techniques that directly connect a printer and digital camera by wire.

However, since such wired connection requires a connection cable as a matter of course, a demand has arisen for wireless information transmission, and wireless communications have begun to be used in communications between peripheral devices (e.g., a printer and digital camera).

Hence, the current connection method of wireless communication devices between peripheral devices will be explained first.

Note that expression “establish a communication channel” in the following description means not only to set a wireless link but also to establish a logical channel (network layer or transport layer in the OSI reference model) to allow data communications between devices.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the conventional method for searching for a printer to which data is to be transmitted from a digital camera when the adhoc mode of a wireless LAN is used as wireless communication means. FIG. 25 shows a flow chart executed when a new digital camera is brought into an existing wireless LAN communication system in the adhoc mode, and establishes connection to the printer.

Referring to FIG. 25, when the digital camera is connected to the printer in the adhoc mode, an ESSID (Extend Service Set Identify) is set in the digital camera (step S2501), a channel used in a wireless communication is set (step S2502), the adhoc mode as a wireless communication mode is set (step S2503), and devices on the wireless network are searched (step S2504). Then, the user selects a printer to be used in a print process from the devices on the wireless network (step S2505), thus establishing a communication channel.

However, in such prior art, since a plurality of partners of wireless communications may be found, a selection process is indispensable even when only one partner is found.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and has as its object to provide a technique that can raise the possibility that the transmitting and receiving sides have a one-to-one relationship even in an environment in which there are a plurality of wireless communication devices, and can simplify a user's selection operation.

In order to achieve the above object, a wireless communication system according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is, there is provided a wireless communication system which comprises a first wireless communication device that stores information to be transmitted, and a second wireless communication device that receives the information and applies a predetermined process to the information, wherein each of the first and second wireless communication devices comprises: determination means for determining whether or not a wireless communication channel establishment instruction is detected; and communication establishment means for, when the determination means determines that the wireless communication channel establishment instruction is detected, executing a process for establishing a wireless communication within a predetermined time period, and when a communication channel is established by the communication establishment means of the first and second wireless communication devices, the first wireless communication device transmits information to the second wireless communication device, which applies the predetermined process to the received information.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network of wireless communication devices in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another network of wireless communication devices in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a wireless communication establishment process sequence of a wireless communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing another wireless communication establishment process sequence of a wireless communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing still another wireless communication establishment process sequence of a wireless communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing yet another wireless communication establishment process sequence of a wireless communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a processing sequence of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a processing sequence of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing another processing sequence of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a wireless communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of a wireless communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a control process sequence of a wireless communication device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing another control process sequence of a wireless communication device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a control process sequence of a wireless communication device according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing another control process sequence of a wireless communication device according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing another control process sequence of a wireless communication device on the transmitting side according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing another control process sequence of a wireless communication device on the receiving side according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing still another control process sequence of a wireless communication device on the transmitting side according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing still another control process sequence of a wireless communication device on the receiving side according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing another control process sequence of a wireless communication device on the transmitting side according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing another control process sequence of a wireless communication device on the receiving side according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the control of a conventional wireless communication device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Respective embodiments according to the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

The first embodiment will explain an example that can facilitate search and selection processes of a partner communication device with which a communication channel is to be established in an environment in which network-related setups have already been done.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the arrangement of a wireless communication system that allows data transmission using wireless communication means. Referring to FIG. 1, digital cameras 101 to 103 comprise a wireless communication function, and can make direct data communications using the wireless communication means among themselves or with printers 104 and 105. A communication mode of such configuration will be referred to as an adhoc mode hereinafter.

FIG. 2 shows another example of the arrangement of a wireless communication system that allows data transmission using wireless communication means. Referring to FIG. 2, digital cameras 201 to 203 comprise a wireless communication function, and can make data communications using the wireless communication means among themselves or with a printer 205 or storage 206. This data communication is made via an access point 204. A communication mode of such configuration will be referred to as an infrastructure mode hereinafter.

The digital camera, printer, and storage in this embodiment will be explained in turn.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functional blocks of a digital camera 301, which can serve as one of the digital cameras 101 to 103 or 201 to 203 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

A console 310 of the digital camera is connected to a CPU 315 via a system controller 311, and comprises a shutter switch and various keys of the digital camera. An image sensing unit 302 is a block that senses an image upon depression of the shutter, and is processed by an image sensing processor 303. A display unit 306 is a block that presents information to the user by means of, for example, LCD display, LED indication, audio presentation, and the like, and its displayed contents undergo a control process by a display processor 307. An operation for selecting information from the displayed contents on the display unit 306 is made in cooperation with the console 310. That is, the display unit 306 and console 310 form a user interface.

A wireless communication function unit 304 is a block that makes wireless communications, and an RF unit 305 exchanges a wireless signal with another wireless communication device. A memory card I/F 308 is an interface used to connect a memory card 309, a USB I/F 312 is an interface used to connect an external device using USB, and an audio I/F 314 is an interface used to connect an audio signal with an external device. These functional blocks shown in this block diagram are processed under the control of the CPU 315. Programs to be controlled by the CPU are stored in a ROM 316, a flash ROM 313, or the memory card 309. Data to be processed by the CPU 315 are written in or read out from a RAM 317, the flash ROM 313, or the memory card 309 (note that the sensed image data is stored in the memory card 309).

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing functional blocks of a printer 401 in this embodiment. This printer 401 can serve as the printers 104, 105, and 205 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

A console 410 of the printer is connected to a CPU 415 via a system controller 411. A print engine 402 is a functional block which actually prints an image on a paper sheet, and is processed by a print processor 403. The type of print engine is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the print engine comprises an ink-jet printer which ejects ink drops onto a print medium such as a print sheet and the like by heat energy.

A display unit 406 is a block which presents information to the user by means of LCD display, LED indication, audio presentation, and the like, and its display contents are controlled under the control of a display processor 407. That is, the display unit 406 and console 410 form a user I/F of the printer 401 in this embodiment.

A wireless communication function unit 404 is a block that makes wireless communications, and an RF unit 405 exchanges a wireless signal with another wireless communication device. A memory card I/F 408 is an interface used to connect a detachable memory card 409. When the memory card I/F 408 receives a memory card mounted in the digital camera, a sensed image can be printed.

A USB I/F 412 is an interface used to connect an external device using USB, and a parallel I/F 414 is an interface used to connect an external device (mainly a host computer) using a parallel communication. These functional blocks shown in this block diagram are processed under the control of the CPU 415. Programs to be controlled by the CPU are stored in a ROM 416, a flash ROM 413, or the memory card 409. Data to be processed by the CPU are written in or read out from a RAM 417, the flash ROM 413, or the memory card 409.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional blocks of a storage device 501 (to be simply referred to as a storage hereinafter) in this embodiment. This storage 501 serves as the storage 206 shown in FIG. 2.

A console 510 of the storage 501 is connected to a CPU 515 via a system controller 511. A storage 502 is a functional block that stores or reads out data, and is processed by a storage processor 503. As the storage 502, a large-capacity storage device, i.e., a hard disk drive, is preferably used. In some cases, a media write drive for CD-R or CD-RW media, rewritable DVD media, MO media, and the like as relatively large-capacity, portable storage media may be used. A display unit 506 is a block which presents information to the user by means of LCD display, LED indication, audio presentation, and the like, and is processed by a display processor 507. An operation for selecting desired one of information displayed on the display unit 506 is made via the console 510. That is, the display unit 506 and console 510 form a user I/F of the storage 501.

A wireless communication function unit 504 is a block that makes wireless communications, and an RF unit 505 exchanges a wireless signal with another wireless communication device. A memory card I/F 508 is an interface used to connect a memory card 509 (to receive a memory card of the digital camera and to directly save data in that card), a USB I/F 512 is an interface used to connect an external device using USB, and an ETHER I/F 514 is an interface used to connect an external device using an ETHER communication. These functional blocks shown in this block diagram are processed under the control of the CPU 515. Programs to be controlled by the CPU are stored in a ROM 516, a flash ROM 513, or the memory card 509. Data to be processed by the CPU are written in or read out from a RAM 517, the flash ROM 513, or the memory card 509.

The arrangements of the digital camera, printer, and storage have been respectively explained. Note that each RF unit has an antenna, which is not limited to an externally protruding one. Especially, in case of the digital camera, portability is an important factor. Hence, the antenna is preferably built in or mounted on the surface in place of the externally protruding one.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the processing sequence until a communication of the digital camera 301, printer 401, or storage 501 is established in this embodiment. The following explanation will be given using FIG. 6 taking the digital camera 301 as an example for the sake of simplicity. In this embodiment as well, expression “establish a communication channel” is used, and it means not only to set a wireless link but also to establish a logical channel (network layer or transport layer in the OSI reference model) to allow data communications between devices.

Upon detection of an operation of a button used to establish a communication channel via the user interface of the digital camera 301 (step S601), a timer is set (step S602), a retry count is set (step S603), and the wireless communication function unit 304 outputs a communication channel establishment request signal via the RF unit 305 (step S604).

It is checked if a communication channel establishment response is received from a partner device (step S605). If the communication channel establishment response is received, a communication channel is established with the partner communication device (step S606), thus allowing data communications. On the other hand, if a communication channel establishment request is received from a partner communication device (step S607), a communication channel establishment response is transmitted (step S608) to establish a communication channel (step S606). The control waits for reception of the communication channel establishment response or request unless a pre-set period of time elapses before neither of the communication channel establishment response are request are received (No in step S609). If either of these signals is received after the pre-set period of time has elapsed, that is, if the timer has reached a time-out (Yes in step S609), the above processes are repeated from the communication channel establishment request transmission process (step S604) until the number of retries reaches the set retry count (No in step S610). On the other hand, if the set retry count has been reached, the communication channel establishment process is aborted. That is, the control returns to a state before the instruction is input in step S601.

When the control shown in the flow chart of FIG. 6 is applied not only to the digital camera but also to the printer or storage as the receiving side, a communication channel between the digital camera and printer or storage can be established, and a print or storage process can be smoothly started.

To explain more simply, a case will be examined below wherein the user wants to print a sensed image stored and held in the digital camera by the printer via a wireless communication. In this case, the user operates wireless communication channel establishment operation buttons of the digital camera and printer within an allowable time period (about 10 sec=time-out time×retry count suffice). Since objects to be operated are only two devices on the information transmitting and receiving sides, even when there are a plurality of printers, only two devices, i.e., the designated digital camera and printer, undergo the processes shown in FIG. 6. Hence, a one-to-one communication is nearly ensured, and smooth communication establishment is made.

When the user makes button operations for wireless communication channel establishment operations on the digital camera and storage within the limited time period, a communication channel between these devices can be established, and a save process of sensed images can be easily done.

In subsequent processes, since the communication channel has been established, the user need only select an image to be printed or saved, and transmits the selected image on the digital camera side, and the printer prints the received image or the storage saves the received image, as in wired connection. Hence, a description of such processes will be omitted.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing another control of the digital camera, printer, or storage in this embodiment.

The difference between FIGS. 7 and 6 is that a communication unit power ON process (step S704) and communication unit power OFF process (step S712) are added. By adding such communication unit power supply control processes, power savings of a wireless communication device can be attained. Especially, such control is effective for the digital camera 301 which is driven by a battery.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing still another control of the digital camera, printer, or storage in this embodiment. In this case as well, the flow chart will be explained taking the digital camera as an example for the sake of simplicity.

Referring to FIG. 8, upon detection of an operation of a button used to establish a communication channel via the user interface of the digital camera 301 (step S801), a timer is set (step S802), and a communication channel establishment request is transmitted (step S803) until the timer reaches a time-out (No in step S805). This communication channel establishment request may be transmitted once or a plurality of number of times at given intervals until the timer reaches a time-out. If the timer has reached a time-out, if no communication channel establishment response is received (step S806) or a plurality of responses are received (step S807), error display is made (step S809); if only one response is received, a communication channel is established with a partner wireless communication terminal (step S808).

If the digital camera executes the control shown in FIG. 8, and the printer side executes the control shown in FIG. 6, when no response is received from the printer or when responses are received from a plurality of printers, the digital camera side does not establish a communication channel as an error, thus prompting the user who operates the device to redo an operation. In other words, if the user inputs an instruction that allows to establish a communication channel with only one printer, he or she need not make any operation associated with selection of the printer from the digital camera.

As described above, in order to print a sensed image held in the digital camera, the user must operate instruction buttons for communication channel establishment operations on two devices, i.e., that digital camera and a target printer. Hence, if there are a plurality of printers, the digital camera receives a response from only one printer. Therefore, it is nearly unlikely that responses are received from a plurality of printers in step S807 in FIG. 8. It is determined in step S807 in FIG. 8 that responses are received from a plurality of printers when another user happens to issue a wireless print instruction to the digital camera and printer.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing still another control of the digital camera, printer, or storage in this embodiment. In this case as well, the following description will be given taking the digital camera as an example for the sake of simplicity.

The flow chart of FIG. 9 is basically the same as that of FIG. 8, except that if communication channel establishment responses are received from a plurality of devices (step S906), a plurality of pieces of responding terminal information are displayed (step S907) to prompt the user to select one of them (step S908), thus establishing a communication channel with the selected partner device (step S909).

If the digital camera executes the control shown in FIG. 9, and the printer side executes the control shown in FIG. 6, when responses are received from a plurality of printers, these printers are displayed, and the user selects one of them. If only one response is received, a communication channel is directly established without the intervention of the user's selection operation.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing still another control of the digital camera, printer, or storage in this embodiment. In this case as well, the flow chart will be explained taking the digital camera as an example for the sake of simplicity.

Referring to FIG. 10, upon detection of an operation of a button used to establish a communication channel via the user interface of the digital camera 301 (step S1001), a communication channel establishment process is executed according to one or a combination of the control processes shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 (S1002). If photo data to be transmitted to the printer has already been selected (step S1003) at the time of establishment of the communication channel, data is immediately transmitted to the printer to which the communication channel has been established (step S1004). After that, every time photo data to be transmitted is selected (step S1005), data is transmitted to that printer. The determination process in step S1003 is attained by designating an image to be printed (or a plurality of images) before a wireless communication, storing the designation result in the flash ROM 313 with a predetermined file name, and then checking if that file is stored. Alternatively, whether or not information that specifies an image to be printed is described in a predetermined format in a predetermined region of the flash memory 313 may be determined in place of the file name.

According to the above process, the operator of the digital camera 301 can start a print process by selecting an image to be printed in advance, and then inputting a communication establishment instruction to both the printer and digital camera, thus obviating the need for any wireless communication setup operations.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing another control of the printer 401 in this embodiment. Assume that the printer 401 is connected to a PC or the like by wire (e.g., the USB interface or the like), and data to be printed out is also transmitted from that wire.

Referring to FIG. 11, the CPU 415 of the printer 401 determines whether or not a print request from the wire is detected (step S1101) and whether or not an instruction button for a communication channel establishment operation is operated (step S1103). The CPU 415 waits for the print request or wireless communication establishment instruction.

If it is determined that the print request from the wire is detected (Yes in step S1101), a printout process designated by that request is executed (step S1102). If it is detected that the instruction button for a communication channel establishment operation is operated (Yes in step S1103), a communication channel establishment process is executed according to one of the control processes shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 (step S1104). Only a print process from the wireless communication channel is accepted (step S1105) before a communication channel disconnection instruction button is operated (No in step S1106), and a print request from the wire is not accepted. Note that the printer 401 has the wireless channel disconnection instruction button in the above description. However, the user may instruct a series of print operations, and disconnection of the communication with the digital camera may be used as a trigger.

If the communication establishment process has failed in step S1104, wired connection is enabled, and the flow returns to step S1101 while skipping steps S1105 and S1106.

In FIG. 11, the operation of the wireless communication channel establishment operation instruction button is ignored during the wired print process. Hence, an example that solves such problem will be explained with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 12.

Upon detection of the operation of a communication channel establishment operation instruction button (step S1201), it is checked if a printout process from a device connected by wire is in progress (step S1202). If the printout process is in progress, the current print data is printed out to where it is convenient (to the end of a page in practice) (step S1203). At this time, a busy signal is output to the device connected by wire to control it to wait for transmission of the next page. Then, a communication channel establishment process is executed (step S1204). Only a print process from the wireless communication channel is accepted (step S1205) before that communication channel is disconnected (step S1206). After the communication channel is disconnected, a ready signal is output to the device connected by wire to continue the print process from the wire (if pages to be printed still remain) (step S1207).

If the printer 401 of this embodiment comprises a large-capacity storage device (hard disk or the like), the aforementioned busy signal need not be output. This is because data received via the wire need only be sequentially spooled in the above storage device.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment will be described below. The second embodiment will explain an example that can facilitate search and selection processes of a partner communication device with which a communication channel is to be established even in different networks.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a wireless communication system that allows data communications using wireless communication means.

Referring to FIG. 13, digital cameras 1302 and 1303 (their arrangements are the same as that shown in FIG. 3) comprise wireless communication functions, and form a wireless adhoc network 1301 that makes data communications between the digital cameras or with a printer 1304 (with the same arrangement as in FIG. 4) using the wireless communication means. Also, a digital camera 1306 forms a wireless adhoc network 1305 with a printer 1307.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of a wireless communication system that allows data communications using wireless communication means.

Referring to FIG. 14, digital cameras 1402 to 1404 (their arrangements are the same as that shown in FIG. 3) comprise wireless communication functions, and form a wireless infrastructure network 1401 which allows communications among the digital cameras or with a printer 1406 (see FIG. 4) or storage 1407 (see FIG. 5) via an access point 1405 using the wireless communication means. Likewise, digital cameras 1409 and 1410 form a wireless infrastructure network 1408 with a printer 1412 via an access point 1411.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing another control of the digital camera, printer, or storage in the second embodiment. The processing sequence will be explained taking the digital camera as an example for the sake of simplicity. Assume that a default network setup is set and registered in advance in the flash ROM (see reference numeral 313 in FIG. 3) of the digital camera.

Referring to FIG. 15, upon detection of the operation of an instruction button for a communication channel establishment operation (step S1501), the CPU of the digital camera executes a communication channel establishment process based on the default network setup (step S1502). If communication channel establishment process based on that setup has failed (No in step S1503), the CPU executes a communication channel establishment process (step S1505) using another ESSID present on the identical frequency channel (step S1504). If a communication channel cannot be established even after the process is repeated for all registered ESSIDs, the CPU aborts the search process in the frequency band of interest, and checks if another search frequency is available (step S1506) so as to search another frequency. If another search frequency is available, the CPU sets that frequency and its first ESSID (step S1507) to repeat the processes in step S1503 and subsequent steps.

When the digital camera executes the control shown in FIG. 15, and the printer executes the control shown in FIG. 6, even when the digital camera and printer are present in different wireless communication networks, a communication channel can be established by a simple operation without any setups about the networks.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing another control of the digital camera, printer, or storage in the second embodiment. This flow chart will be explained taking the processes of the digital camera as an example for the sake of simplicity.

Referring to FIG. 16, upon detection of the operation of an instruction button for a communication channel establishment operation in the digital camera (step S1601), a device search process is conducted using all frequency channels (channels 1 to 14 in Japan) and ESSIDs (step S1602). If no device returns a response (step S1603), an error message is displayed, and the flow ends (step S1608). At this time, a message indicating a search failure may be displayed.

If one device returns a response (step S1604), a wireless communication channel with that device is established (step S1607). If a plurality of devices return responses, a list of the devices that respond is displayed (step S1605) to prompt the user to select one communication partner device (step S1606). Then, a wireless communication channel with that device is established. That is, if one device returns a response, connection is established to that device without any user's intervention.

When the digital camera executes the control shown in FIG. 16, and the printer executes the control shown in FIG. 6, even when the digital camera and printer are present in different wireless communication networks, a communication channel can be established by a simple operation without any setups about the networks. When the printer executes the processes shown in FIG. 16, the digital camera can execute the processes shown in FIG. 6.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment will be described below. The third embodiment will explain an example that facilitates search and selection processes of a partner communication device with which a communication channel is to be established regardless of the communication mode.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing another control of the digital camera, printer, or storage in the present invention. In this case as well, the flow chart will be described taking the digital camera as an example for the sake of simplicity.

Referring to FIG. 17, upon detection of the operation of an instruction button for a communication channel establishment operation of the digital camera (step S1701), the current operation mode (adhoc or infrastructure mode) is stored (step S1702), and an adhoc mode is set first (step S1703) to execute a communication channel establishment process (step S1704). The process in step S1704 is executed in the adhoc mode, but the process itself may be one of those shown in FIGS. 6 to 9.

After a communication channel is established (step S1705), an operation is made in the adhoc mode. If the communication channel is disconnected (step S1706), the control returns to the stored operation mode (step S1707). Note that the process for transmitting image data from the digital camera to the printer (or storage) and printing (or saving) that image data is executed while No is determined in step S1706.

When the processes shown in FIG. 17 are executed by the digital camera as the information transmission source and by the printer or storage as the information receiving side, a communication channel between them can be smoothly established.

The reason why the sequence shown in FIG. 17 is adopted will be explained in detail below.

The printer of this embodiment is used in an environment in which its print data generation source is not limited to only the digital camera, and receives and prints data from a personal computer (not limited to one computer). Hence, the printer is normally set in a print data reception waiting state in the infrastructure mode via the access point.

According to the sequence shown in FIG. 17, when the user operates the instruction buttons for a communication channel establishment operation of two devices, i.e., the digital camera and a specific printer, these devices are set in a common communication mode, i.e., the adhoc communication mode to execute a communication establishment process. Hence, a communication channel can be established between these devices, and connection of another device can be excluded.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing another control of the digital camera, printer, or storage in this embodiment. In this case, the following explanation will be given taking the processes of the digital camera as an example for the sake of simplicity.

Referring to FIG. 18, upon detection of the operation of an instruction button for a communication channel establishment operation of the digital camera (step S1801), the power supply of the wireless communication function unit (304 and 305 in FIG. 3) is turned on (step S1802), and an adhoc mode is set (step S1803) to execute a communication channel establishment process (step S1804). After the communication channel is established (step S1805), an operation is made in the adhoc mode. If the communication channel is disconnected (step S1806), the power supply of the communication unit is turned off (step S1807) to attain power savings.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are flow charts showing another control of the digital camera, printer, or storage in this embodiment. In the following description, assume that the digital camera (transmitting side) executes the processing sequence shown in FIG. 19, and the printer (receiving side) executes the processing sequence shown in FIG. 20 for the sake of simplicity.

Referring to FIG. 19, if the power supply of the digital camera is turned on and a wireless communication instruction is input or if the power supply is turned on while a wireless communication instruction is input by a switch or button, an adhoc mode is set (step S1901), and a message indicating the adhoc mode is displayed (step S1902). This message may be implemented by various methods such as LCD display, LED indication, and the like. A communication channel establishment process is executed using communication parameters which are set in advance for the adhoc mode or are determined to establish a communication channel (step S1903). After the communication channel is established (step S1904), an operation is made in the adhoc mode. If the communication channel is disconnected (step S1905), an infrastructure mode is set (step S1906) to display a message indicating the infrastructure mode (step S1907).

Referring to FIG. 20, if the power supply of the printer is turned on, a timer is set (step S2001), and an adhoc mode is set. At this time, setup parameters to be used are set in advance or are determined to establish a communication channel. Upon reception of a communication channel establishment request (step S2003), a communication channel establishment response is transmitted (step S2004), thus establishing the communication channel (step S2005). If no communication channel establishment request is received (step S2003), the control waits until the timer reaches a time-out (step S2006). If the timer has reached a time-out, the infrastructure mode is set.

In this manner, when the digital camera executes the control shown in FIG. 19 and the printer executes the control shown in FIG. 20, a communication channel can be easily established by turning on the power supplies of the digital camera and printer.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are flow charts showing another control of the digital camera, printer, or storage in this embodiment. In the following description, assume that the digital camera executes the processes shown in FIG. 21, and the printer executes the processes shown in FIG. 22 for the sake of simplicity.

Referring to FIG. 21, if the power supply of the digital camera is turned on or if a wireless communication channel establishment instruction is input, an adhoc mode is set (step S2101), and a message indicating the adhoc mode is displayed (step S2102). This message may be implemented by various methods such as LCD display, LED indication, and the like. A communication channel establishment process is executed using all ESSIDs and all frequency channels in the adhoc mode (step S2103). After the communication channel is established (step S2104), a series of print processes or storage processes (when the storage processes FIG. 22) are executed in the adhoc mode. If the communication channel is disconnected (step S2105), an infrastructure mode is set (step S2106) to display a message indicating the infrastructure mode (step S2107).

Referring to FIG. 22, if the power supply of the printer is turned on or if a reception instruction from the digital camera is input, an adhoc mode is monitored (step S2202) while setting an infrastructure mode (step S2201). At this time, setup parameters to be used in the adhoc mode are set in advance or are determined to establish a communication channel. Also, a beacon of the adhoc mode is output if necessary. Upon reception of a communication channel establishment request in the adhoc mode (step S2203), the adhoc mode is set (step S2204), and a communication channel establishment response is transmitted (step S2205), thus establishing the communication channel (step S2206).

In this manner, when the digital camera executes the control shown in FIG. 21 and the printer executes the control shown in FIG. 22, a communication channel can be easily established by turning on the power supplies of the digital camera and printer or inputting a connection instruction between the digital camera and printer to them.

Fourth Embodiment

The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The fourth embodiment will describe an example that automatically sets communication parameters for an infrastructure mode, and allows wireless communication devices to easily make wireless communications.

FIGS. 23 and 24 are flow charts showing another control of the digital camera, printer, or storage of the present invention. In the following description, assume that the digital camera executes the processes shown in FIG. 23, and the printer executes the processes shown in FIG. 24 for the sake of simplicity.

Referring to FIG. 23, upon detection of the operation of a setup data transmission button provided to the console (step S2301), the CPU of the digital camera sets an adhoc mode (step S2302) and executes a communication channel establishment process (step S2303). After the communication channel is established (step S2304), the CPU transmits setup data for the infrastructure mode (frequency channel, ESSID, encryption key, and the like) (step S2305), disconnects the communication (step S2306), and sets the infrastructure mode (step S2307).

Referring to FIG. 24, upon detection of the operation of a setup data reception button (step S2401), the CPU of the printer sets the adhoc mode (step S2402), and executes a communication channel establishment process (step S2403). After the communication channel is established (step S2404), the CPU receives the setup data for the infrastructure mode (step S2405), disconnects the communication in the adhoc mode, and sets the received setup data as communication parameters of the infrastructure mode (step S2407), thus setting the infrastructure mode (step S2408).

In this manner, when the digital camera executes the control shown in FIG. 23, and the printer executes the control shown in FIG. 24, the digital camera and printer can be easily brought in an identical network in the infrastructure mode.

The first to fourth embodiments have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the present invention may be applied to a case wherein a specific button, power switch, specific touch panel switch, or the like is used as means for establishing a communication channel. Likewise, embodiments that adopt, as a wireless communication mode of a wireless communication device, the adhoc mode of a wireless LAN, the infrastructure mode of the wireless LAN, a communication mode such as BLUETOOTH, or the like, and adopt, as wireless communication devices, a digital camera, printer, storage, scanner, data input device, data output device, and the like which have a wireless communication function, can be easily implemented.

Combinations of the control processes and devices are not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the control methods of the digital camera and printer may be replaced, or the control method of each of the above embodiments may be implemented as that for another device. As a communication mode, the adhoc and infrastructure modes have been exemplified. However, in terms of control, these two communication modes can be replaced with each other, or communication means other than the wireless LAN such as BLUETOOTH and the like can be defined as communication modes.

As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, when a wireless communication channel is to be established upon transmitting an image from the digital camera to the printer (or storage) and making the printer (or storage) print (or save) that image, even if there are a large number of wireless communication devices, a communication is more likely to be established to have a one-to-one relationship, and operations required for the user can be simple.

As described above, according to the present invention, even in an environment that includes a plurality of wireless communication devices, since a one-to-one relationship can be set upon establishing a wireless communication between a wireless communication device on the information transmitting side and a wireless communication device that receives and processes information, simple user's operations can be assured at least until the communication is established.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the claims. 

1. A wireless communication system which comprises a first wireless communication device that stores information to be transmitted, and a second wireless communication device that receives the information and applies a predetermined process to the information, wherein each of said first and second wireless communication devices comprises: determination means for determining a user's instruction for establishing a wireless communication channel; and communication establishment means for, when said determination means determines that the user's instruction is detected, executing a process for establishing a wireless communication within a predetermined time period, and when a communication channel is established by said communication establishment means of said first and second wireless communication devices, said first wireless communication device transmits information to said second wireless communication device, which applies the predetermined process to the received information.
 2. A wireless communication device comprising: determination means for determining an operator's instruction for establishing a wireless communication channel; communication establishment means for, when said determination means determines that the instruction is detected, executing a process for establishing the wireless communication channel with another wireless communication device at which an instruction for establishing the wireless communication channel has been made within a predetermined time period; and communication means for, when said communication establishment means establishes the wireless communication channel, communicating with the other wireless communication device.
 3. The device according to claim 2, further comprising: transmission means for, when said determination means determines that the wireless communication channel establishment instruction is detected, transmitting a request signal that requests to establish the wireless communication channel; and detection means for detecting a response to the request signal transmitted by said transmission means, and detecting a wireless communication channel establishment request signal from another wireless communication device, and in that said detection means executes a process within the predetermined time period.
 4. The device according to claim 2, wherein said wireless communication device comprises an image sensing device, and the other wireless communication device comprises a device for printing a sensed image or a storage device for storing the sensed image.
 5. The device according to claim 2, further comprising power supply control means for, when it is determined that the wireless communication channel establishment instruction is detected, turning on a power supply of a communication function unit required to make a wireless communication, and for, when the communication establishment process by said communication establishment means has failed, turning off the power supply of the communication function unit.
 6. The device according to claim 2, wherein when no candidate device or at least two candidate devices are detected upon establishing the wireless communication channel, the communication establishment process is aborted.
 7. The device according to claim 2, wherein upon establishing the wireless communication channel, when only one candidate device is detected, the communication channel is established, when a plurality of candidate devices are detected, a list is displayed to prompt an operator to select one of the candidate devices, and the communication channel is established with the selected candidate.
 8. The device according to claim 2, further comprising: selection means for selecting information to be transmitted, and in that when said selection means has already selected the information to be transmitted upon establishing the wireless communication channel by said communication establishment means, said communication means executes a transmission process of the selected information.
 9. The device according to claim 2, further comprising: search means for, when said determination means determines that the wireless communication channel establishment instruction is detected, searching for a communication partner in accordance with a plurality of communication parameters, and in that said communication establishment means establishes the wireless communication channel with the communication partner found by said search means.
 10. The device according to claim 2, wherein said wireless communication device can make communications in a plurality of communication modes, and when said determination means determines that the wireless communication channel establishment instruction is detected, said communication establishment means executes a process for establishing the wireless communication channel in a first communication mode.
 11. The device according to claim 10, further comprising: switching means for, when a second communication mode is set before the operator inputs the instruction, switching the second communication mode to the first communication mode, and in that said switching means switches the first communication mode to the second communication mode upon completion of the communication with the other wireless communication device.
 12. A wireless communication device comprising: determination means for determining an operator's instruction for establishing a wireless communication channel; detection means for executing a detection process of a wireless communication channel establishment request signal transmitted from another wireless communication device for a predetermined time period in response to determination of the instruction by said determination means; and communication establishment means for executing a process for establishing the wireless communication channel in response to detection by said detection means.
 13. The device according to claim 12, further comprising transmission means for, when said detection means detects the establishment request signal, transmitting a response signal to the establishment request signal.
 14. The device according to claim 12, further comprising transmission means for controlling said detection means to start the detection process in response to determination of the instruction by said determination means, and transmitting a request signal that requests to establish the wireless communication channel.
 15. The device according to claim 12, wherein said wireless communication device can also make a wired communication, and the operator's instruction is ignored during a process of information received via the wired communication.
 16. The device according to claim 12, wherein said wireless communication device can also make a wired communication, and when said determination means determines that the instruction is detected during a process of information received via the wired communication, the process of information received via the wired communication is interrupted, and a communication is made via the wireless communication channel established by said communication establishment means.
 17. A method of controlling a wireless communication device, comprising a determination step of determining an operator's instruction for establishing a wireless communication channel; a communication establishment step of executing a process for establishing the wireless communication channel with another wireless communication device at which an instruction for establishing the wireless communication channel has been made within a predetermined time period since it is determined in the determination step that the instruction is detected; and a communication step of communicating, when the wireless communication channel is established in the communication establishment step, with the other wireless communication device.
 18. A method of controlling a wireless communication device, comprising: a determination step of determining an operator's instruction for establishing a wireless communication channel; a detection step of executing a detection process of a wireless communication channel establishment request signal transmitted from another wireless communication device for a predetermined time period since it is determined in the determination step that the instruction is detected; and a communication establishment step of executing, when the establishment request is detected in the detection step within the predetermined time period, a process for establishing the wireless communication channel with the other wireless communication device. 